Uncertainty about the future is the biggest challenge facing Craig Harrison facing at Hartlepool United

Hartlepool United manager Craig Harrison.

Published:07:00Thursday 15 February 2018

Craig Harrison believes uncertainty about the club’s future is the biggest challenge on his plate at Hartlepool United.

But, whatever the pressures, on or off the park, the current situation is nowhere near the toughest battle Harrison has faced in his career.

The manager says that despite all the stresses and strains at Pools at present, this struggle pails into comparison compared to the time he found out he would not play again, at the age of just 24.

Although, he says the lingering doubt and not knowing whether there is light at the end of the tunnel, or even an end in sight, does have similarities to his attempts rebuild his career after his leg injury.

“Just drawing on my own experience, when I broke my leg the time I had not knowing if I was going to play again was worse than actually being told I couldn’t play again,” he said.

“I could visualise what I’m doing now, pull myself together and get on once I knew and had been told.

“But when I was recovering, there was six months where I needed another operation, had the uncertainty of not knowing was the worst part. Worst-case scenario you can plan, deal with it and get on.

“Not knowing is the hardest part. At some time there has to be an end to it, for everyone’s sake.”

Harrison’s side take on Woking, weather permitting, on Saturday.

It will be their first game since Eastleigh on January 27.

Not being able to get out on the park, has meant the focus on procedings off the park has heightened somewhat.